Interviewing a New Prospective Business Manager…
A while back, I talked about what I was looking for in a prospective agent (mind you, this was before I had either of my agents). I firmly believe that I (and probably many artists) are lousy at placing a monetary value on our work. For example, for all of our calls for professional rates, the minimum figure has remained at about five cents a word since about the days of Edgar Allan Poe.
All that said, there are holes in my representation, so I keep my ears open when approached. In this case, I was approached by my oldest son. He made his pitch. I listened:
Me: So you're interviewing for the position of my business manager. What makes you think you'd be good for this position?
My Oldest: Well, when you bought that pen that had your book on it, you should be selling those and getting a percent of that.
Me: Wait, are you actually talking about merchandising rights?
My Oldest: Uh huh. And you need better merchandise.
Me: What sort of things would you roll out as my business manager?
My Oldest: Toys. Maurice Broaddus dolls. [Mentioning this idea to my agent, he wondered aloud what the marketability of an (in)action figure dressed in his underwear with optional Riesling accessories would be]
Me: What sort of other business opportunities could you get for me?
My Oldest: Speaking.* You need to do more book promotion. [Somewhere out there, Chesya Burke is yelling "See? I'm not the only one who's saying that!"]
Me: Any other ways you can think of to make money for me?
My Oldest: You need to get 1% of all copies of your book that you sell.
Me: I get 7%.
My Oldest: In that case, you need to get at least 10% of all copies of your book that you sell.
Me: That's my boy. You will be considered for the position.**
*I actually did put him to the test with this. I was approached to speak at a local church about writing. I was quoted a speaking fee. I took the offer to My Oldest who promptly demanded $200,000. The pastor came back with "how about a percentage of the ticket sales." I may put him in charge of all of my negotiations.
**My Youngest hates to be left out of anything. Our interview went a little differently:
Me: Do you even know what an agent does?
My Youngest: No.
Me: Do you have any connections in the publishing industry?
My Youngest: No.
Me: Are you good with people?
My Youngest: No.
Me: Can you convince them to buy my books?
My Youngest: No.
Me: What qualifications do you bring to this position?
My Youngest: I love you. And I like your books.
Me: You're not even old enough to read them.
My Youngest: So? They look good.
Me: You know, you DO sound like you'd find a perfect home in the publishing industry…
[photos by Larissa Johnson]
